Helena Avenue Bakery

Where is Helena Avenue Bakery?

If you have been to Santa Barbara, CA in the past 10 years you probably have walked through the ‘Funk Zone’. The once industrial and somewhat decrepit few blocks of warehouses, has now been converted to one of the funkiest and most hip parts of Sant Barbara. Within this funky, full-of-art, zone you will find Helena Avenue Bakery, tucked away in a brick laid courtyard, adjacent to a cocktail bar. On a Saturday morning in May, we arrived to find a line out of the door, a full bike rack, and a very mixed age range of diners, all suggesting that this was the place to be.

What to eat at Helena Avenue Bakery

As we approached the counter to order I was impressed by the seasonally appropriate menu, usually when restaurants cater their menus to what is actually growing around them, I find the ingredients to be uber-good. Finally settling on the Challah French Toast and the Farmer’s Market Sandwich.

Having grown up on my Bubbe’s Challah French Toast, I was prepared to be critical of what was to come. When our server ran our food to the table, I was in awe of delectable homemade challah that was plated in front of me. Vanilla orange blossom custard, Ojai pixie tangerines, toasted almond, topped with maple syrup and confectioners sugar. This was the best french toast I have ever had. The homemade challah most certainly played a roll. Challah is already the superior bread to use for french toast, let alone when it’s made in-house (bakery is in the name) ,  the result was delicious. Let it be known the Challah French Toast is only available on weekends.

The Farmer’s Market Sandwich came out with a baked farm egg, caramelized onions, rainbow Swiss chard, gruyere all on fresh Brioche. The egg fit perfectly with the fresh brioche, and the gruyere melded with the baked egg. The Swiss chard was sautéed  and provided the perfect amount of green to the egg sandwich. A definite must order again.

All Things Considered at Helena Avenue Bakery

Helena Avenue Bakery hides in the coolest part of Santa Barbara. With fresh breads, a great menu, and a full coffee bar, Helena Avenue Bakery delivers on all fronts. Sit down in the shaded courtyard and enjoy your delicious meal!